PRESS STATEMENT ON NORTHERN UGANDA BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s statement to the press by Security Council President Gunter Pleuger (Germany):

The Security Council was briefed today on the humanitarian situation in northern Uganda by the Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator, Jan Egeland.

Council members strongly condemned the appalling atrocities carried out by the so-called Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and expressed their deep concern about the humanitarian crisis, expressing particular concern about the large-scale displacement of the civilian population and the abduction of children and their forced recruitment as soldiers, as well as sexual violence against and exploitation of them, in particular against girls. They stressed that such crimes should not remain unpunished.

Council members demanded the LRA to cease immediately all acts of violence against civilians.

Council members stressed the importance of exploring all peaceful avenues to resolve the conflict, including through creating a climate in which a solution based on dialogue might be found.

Council members called on the Government of Uganda to enhance its protection for displaced persons and those providing essential services to them, and called on all parties to facilitate safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to the civilian population in accordance with international law including international humanitarian law.

Council members encouraged the international community to support the valuable efforts of those humanitarian organizations engaged in assisting the civilian population.

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